She was used by the Union Navy primarily as a gunboat stationed off Confederate ports to prevent their trading with foreign countries.

Braziliera — a wooden bark — was built in 1856 by J. J. Abrahams, Baltimore, Maryland; purchased at New York City on July 30, 1861; and commissioned on October 27, 1861, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant C. F. W. Behm in command.

On March 3, 1862, Braziliera received considerable damage when the bark Amanda dragged anchor at Hampton Roads, Virginia, and collided with her.

She also took part in the destruction of salt works on St. Simon's Sound, Georgia, and lumberworks on St. Andrew Bay, Florida.

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.